> China doesn't also really seem to want any part of this drama. They're being dragged in because historically they're an ally of Russia

Historically China is a quasi enemy of Russia.

Russia was plotting to nuke China in 1969 over their border conflict. They have rarely liked eachother and are not traditional allies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Soviet_border_conflict

https://www.scmp.com/article/714064/nixon-intervention-saved...